Saturday, December 10, 2011

The Salter Family Christmas Letter

This year was the first year in...more than I can count...that I didnt sit down to write a Christmas Letter to add to our Christmas Cards. Jim said: Skip it!. I said: I AGREE!
But this morning, I have decided there is no reason as to why I can't write an electronic version of our 2011 Family Recap.
So HERE GOES:
Lets start with ME. Why Not? I never start with me, and me is who I know best! LOL!
In one short year, Just So Stacy Photography has grown by leaps and bounds. I can honestly say that I am ready for a vacation from work. Although I really don't feel like it is work. I feel like I am truly communing with families when they come for a shoot. I try to make everyone have an experience when they schedule me, and I feel like I am getting better and better at it. It has been a blessing to be able to stay at home with Audrey and still feel like I am contributing to our household income a bit.
I also have been substituting at Yellow Breeches Middle school, putting that degree to work a bit. I LOVE being in the classroom. I do hope to return to the classroom on a more permanent basis once Audrey heads to Kindergarten.
Being a Mom is my hardest, busiest, best and most rewarding job of all.
Taking Audrey out of daycare wasnt just a blessing to her health, but a blessing to our hearts! She is an absolute JOY to watch everyday.
She is smart and practices her manners. Don't get me wrong the first 3 months of her 2nd year of life, I was amazed by her daily tantrums....but knock on wood, they have subsided, and Audrey is a pretty easy kiddo.
She loves outside. She loves to play "Yee Haw" (horses). She loves Blocks and Barbies. We made frequent visits to the zoo and park this summer. Lately, she wants to paint everyday. She is a budding little artist and our fridge has the proof all over it.
In February, she went on her first cruise. We traveled with my parents to the Bahamas. She did pretty alright. In September, she had her first plane ride. My mom and I took her to Charleston SC for a long weekend. It was beautiful and she was wonderful.
It amazes me how much she learns everyday. The kid has a memory like an elephant. She is definately a musical kiddo. She loves to sing. She remembers the tune to every song she hears....she is like her mama in that way.
She knows who Santa is this year. So opening gifts on Christmas Day will be awesome. Santa is dropping a pony with a big red ribbon off at the door on christmas morning. I cant wait to see her face~!
We have been doing an advent countdown as well, so everyday she learns about the True CHRISTMAS. We play with her nativity set and we talk about BABY JESUS. We have filled our advent days with crafts and giving and family adventures. It has been perfect!
Christmas really is more fun with a kid in the house. ACTUALLY, everyday is more fun with a kid in the house.
Jim is still the Fire Chief. This year has been filled with some devastating fires, medical emergencies, floods, and so many other crazy adventures. I seriously don't know how he does it. It can be very hard to have him away from us on many nights. When you marry a firefighter, you really do marry his job.
Jim's job at Equipment Depot is great! He has had his best year ever! we couldn't be prouder of him. His hard work truly paid off this year. He had been on quite a few business trips this year, but they have proved helpful to the bottom line.
As a family, we have had many adventures this year. In April, we bought a camper. We set out on a few trips with friends and family. We found a love for camping and we look forward to some exciting trips next year.
We made 2 trips to the lake to go out on my dad's new boat. This year was a great year for fishing! We look forward to more trips next year.
As we prepare for the next few weeks of festivities and fun, time with family and friends, I am excited about the days ahead.
May your Christmas be magical!


Stacy. Jim and Audrey

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